Getting a Seat at the Table: Changes in Military Participation in Government and Coups

Why do coups happen and how can state leaders affect their likelihood? Existing research focuses on structural factors as well “coup-proofing” drivers of coup risk. I argue that the literature misses an important alternative avenue by which likelihood militaries remove them from office: adding or removing military officers government. When bring into government, they signal to there is a peaceful path sharing power provide coups. In contrast, government dramatically increases risk attempt retaliates against leader’s grab. test this theory using cross-national data captures changes in representation national cabinets councils 1969 2008 find mixed support. line with theory, strong evidence large reductions military’s positions lead attempts, more modest reduce attempts. However, contrary expectations, results also suggest small increase coup.